Sock printing machine



March 8, 1960 l.. RQ PARHAM 2,927,526

SOCK PRINTING MACHINE March 8, 1960 R. PARI-IAM socx PRINTING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 2. 1956 INC 9 Sheets-,Sheet 3 L. R. PARHAM SOCK PRINTINGy MACHINE L F1616. In /22 March 8, 1960 Filed Feb. 2. 195e FIG.

March 8, 1960 L. R. PARHAM 2,927,526

socx PRINTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 2, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR LEE ROY PARHAM ATTORNEYS @www March 8, 1960 l.. R. PARI-IAM 2,927,526

SOCK PRINTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 2, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR LEE R01 PARHAM ATTORNEYS March 8, 1960 R. PARHAM 2,927,526

SOCK PRINTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 2, 1956 9 Sheets-Shea?I 6 Flay.

o oo o ooooo oo o 1N VENTOR l LSE/POYPARHAM ATTORNEYl March 8, 1960 L. R. PARHAM 2,927,526

SOCK PRINTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 2, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 'T FIG. I0.

INVENTOR LEE ROY PARHAM ATTORNEYS March s, 1960 L. R. PARHAM 2,927,526

SOCK PRINTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 2, 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 FGJJ.

INVENT OR LEE ROY PAHHAM ATTORNEYS March 8, 1960 L. R. PARI-IAM 2,927,526

socx PRINTING MACHINE Filed Feb. 2. 1956 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTR ATTORNEYS Ea-nor PAR/MM SOCK PRINTING MACHINE Lee Roy Parham, Franklinvilie, N.C., assignor to Burlington Industries, Inc., Greensboro, N.C., a corporation of Delaware Application February 2, 1956, Serial No, 563,065 8 Claims. (Cl. 101-37) This invention relates to printing machines, and in particular to a machine for printing multi-color patterns ory designs on tubular fabric objects such as mens socks.

A general object of theV invention is to provide a printing machine adapted to apply intricate multi-color patterns and decorations to socks, at high speed and low cost.

A principal object ofthe invention is the provision of an accurate, ecient, continuous and automatic sock printing machine, adapted to print two sides of articles simultaneously and deliver dried and finished articles ready for nal packaging.

Another object is to provide a versatile printing machine capable of applying dye or ink patterns to fabric articles of any of various configurations, including knitted, ribbed and stretch socks.

A further object is to provide a unitary printing and drying device, including novel synchronized and coordinated means for article handling and transfer between diverse sections thereof.

Yet another object is the provision in a sock printing machine of novel conveyor means, and multiple purpose article carrying inserts designed for use therewith. The machine also comprises special guides and similar devices for maintaining proper alignment and spacing of articles processed thereby.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a high production,A multi-color printing machine designed for easy service and maintenance, in which printing rolls may be readily and quickly changed, registered and aligned. Further objects will be in part evident and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invcntionand the novel features thereof may best be made clear from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational general view, partly broken away, of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the machine of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a sectional plan view taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Figure l, showing the drying section and associated mechanism;

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the printing section of the machine, on enlarged scale, taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 1;

'Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the printing section, with cover removed, taken substantially on the line 5 5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a sectional elevational view of the printing section, taken on the line 6 6 of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is a sectionalplan view taken on the line 7 7 of Figure 4, showing details of the printing rolls and the mounting and drive means therefor;

Figure 8 is a sectional view, somewhat enlarged, taken on the line 8 8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view illustrating details vof the article transfer means between the printing and drying conveyors;

Patent Figure 10 is a sectional elevational view taken along the line 10-10 of Figure l, showing further details of the article transfer means and drying section structure;

Figure ll is a diagrammatic view of the article transfer means and associated elements;

Figure 12 is a perspective View of a section of printing conveyor chain, including an article engaging pin;

Figure 13 -is a sectional elevational View taken substantially along the line 13 13 of Figure 1, showing details of the discharge end of the drying section;

Figure 14 is a sectional view taken on the line 14 14 of Figure 3.

Figure 15 is an elevational view of a preferred sock insert according to the invention;

Figure 16 illustrates a printed and finished sock positioned on the insert Vof Figure l5, from which the machine engaging strip has been removed, and

Figure 17 illustrates the folding of the sock and insertl of Figure 16.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a generally rectangular frame 20, supporting a vertically disposed printing section 22 at one end thereof and at its top a horizontally disposed drying section 24. The machine includes a printing conveyor 26 (see Figure 1) preferably of endless chain type, having a horizontal flight 28 extending past work platforms 30 to the printing section, at the lower end of which itis guided about suitable sprockets on shaft 32 to its vertical flight 34, which passes upwardly through the printing section 22 and an end of the drying section 24 thereabove. Above the drying section, the printing conveyor is engaged by suitable sprockets on drive shaft 36, and then extends about idler shafts 3S, 40 and 42 to complete a return path to its horizontal flight 28.

The drying section 24 extends substantially the length of the frame, and includes an outer heat insulating cabinet 44. An endless drying conveyor 46, also preferably of roller chain variety, extends horizontally through the drying section. The drying conveyor may be generally rectangular, disposed about shafts 48, 50, 52 and 54, and includes a horizontally extending article carrying-flight 56 disposed adjacent the top of cabinet 44, and a return flight 58 which may extend below the cabinet. The entry end 60 of article carrying flight 56 of the drying conveyor (see Figure 3) is disposed adjacent and in general alignment with the vertical flight 34 of the printing conveyor, which, as previously noted,'extends vertically through this end of the drying section.

Both conveyors are driven in coordinated fashion, preferably by a common source of power such as electric motor 62 (Figures 2 and 3). The output of motor 62 is transmitted by a belt 64 to a variable speed gear reducer 66, which is provided with a hand wheel 68 to vary the speed reduction thereof. The motor and gear reducer may be mounted, as shown, on a suitably braced platform 70 extending outwardly from the upper end of the printing section, the gear reducer hand wheel 68 being disposed lfor convenient access. From the power take off shaft of gear reducer 66, a sprocket 72 transmits power through chain 74 to a suitably sized sprocket 76 mounted on drive shaft 36. Sprockets 78, also fixed on drive shaft 36, engage and drive the chains of the printing conveyor. At its end opposite sprocket 76, the drive shaft 36 carries another sprocket 80, which is engaged by a chain 82 to another4 sprocket 84 mounted on a stub shaft 86 extending from the side of the drying section cabinet 44. Stub shaft 86 also carries a smaller sprocket 88, which is engaged by chain 90 to a suitably sized sprocket 92 mounted on .an end of drying conveyor shaft 52. Shaft 52 also carries sprockets 94 engaging and driving the chains of the drying conveyor, whereby both 3 conveyors are driven in unison from common power source, at different but coordinated speeds.

The printingconveyor 26 may c omprisetwo or more laterally spaced roller chains, In the illustrated embodiment three chains are provided, to function as a dual conveyor. At equally spaced intervals along the length of each chain, a pin link plate 96 is provided with a laterally extending lug 98, from which an upstanding pin 1Gb projects. As best shown in Figure l2, the outer end 1920i each pin i) is pointed or rounded; l'T he center chain of the printing conveyor (see Figure 3) is provided with pin carrying link plates on both sides thereof, whereby the center chain may cooperate with each of theouter chains to engage and carry articles therebetween, and the article carrying pins 100 ofthe individual chains are aligned, the three chains together functioning as a'dual conveyor carrying. articles `in side by side pairs. The pins 100, as shown, all project outwardly from the plane of the printing conveyor hainsY inthe same direction, facing fromvertical iiight 3 4 toward the drying conveyor 46. As will be evident, the laterally extending lugs 98 and outwardly projecting pins 100 aredesigned so as not to interfere with the normal sprocket engaging vfunction of the chains.

The printing conveyor is adapted to carry between corresponding opposed pairs of pins 100 thereof specially designed planar forms such as sock inserts 104, which may be constructed of cardboard or the like. As best shown in Figure l5, each insert 104 comprises a longitudinally extended body section 106 adapted, in the present example, to have a mans sock 10S stretched thereover. For such purpose, body section 106 may have a rounded toe tting inner end portion 110, a substantially central laterally projecting heel fitting portion 112, andl a necked down outer end portion 114. A transverse conveyor strip 116 is fixed to the outer edge of portion 114 and extends there-beyond in both directions, each of the extended end portions of the transverse strip being provided with an aperture 118. The aperture 118 are suitably sized and spaced, it will be understood, to lit closely and frictionally engage a corresponding pair of printing conveyor chain pins 100. A line 120 of cuts or perforations may be provided between body section 106 and conveyor strip 116 of the insert', to weaken the lirieof juncture therebetweenr and facilitate separation of; the latter. Further, the body section 106 may be provided with a transverse score line 122, preferably disposed substantially centrally of the heel fitting projection 112, tofacilitate folding thereof. The cardboard inserts are preferably integral or unitary, and as will be apparent may be readily and cheaply manufactured by cutting or punching` in a single operation, utilizing automatic machines, the perforation line 120 and score line 122 being formed simultaneously with the insert.

The printing section 22 of the device is illustrated in detail in Figures 4to 8 of the drawings. For simultaneous printing on both sides of the socks or other articles, printing rolls 124 are arranged in opposed pairs, and` in the dual machine illustrated, each opposed pair is duplicated to the side. For multi-color printing, multiple printing roll pairs are provided in superposed relationship, three pairs being illustrated in the drawings. lt will be obvious that for single colorwork one printing roll pair will suffice, and that for multi-color work two, four or more pairs may be employed as required. The nips between all printing roll pairs lie in a common vertical plane, that is all of the printing rolls are disposed in'` substantial tangency to a common vertical printing planea rPhe printing roll pairs are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing intervals between-succes'sive pins 100 on the printing-conveyor chains', and the circumference of eachV printing rollcorresponds preferablyto such spacing. Each cooperativepair of chains in the verticalflight 34 of the printing conveyor 2 6 extends alongside opposite ends of a vertically aligned and the like which may be used in cleaning.

Referring to Figure 7, the printing rolls 124 may be of hollow construction, and comprise preferably a cast iron o'r similar base which is coated initially with copper, preferably by metal spraying. The sprayed copper coating is machinedsmooth, engraved with the desired pattern and then chrome plated. As best shown in Figure 7, eachprinting roll 129i is adaptedtoreely enclose a supporting shaft 136. The inner end of each roll is provided with an annular attachment ring 138, suitably engaged thereto as by bolts 14d. The inner surfacev 142 of the attachment ring is conical, increasing in diameter from outside to inside, as shown. For adjustable engagement and driving, each printing roll is provided also with an annular attachment plate 144, having a conical outer surface 146 complementary to the surface 142 of the attachment ring 138. As will be evident, the attachment ring is adapted to center and retain the `attachment plate in any angularly adiusted position. A threaded drive lug 14S extends outwardly from each o'f the attachment plates.

The printing rolls are rotatably driven by their sup porting shafts 136 through dogs 150, best illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. The dog body encloses shaft 136 and is engaged thereto at desired relative position by means such as set screw 152,y The dog bodycomprises oppositely directed spaced pairs of arms 154, ,each pair of arms being adapted to' enclose a drive lug 143 with some clearance, and the dog arms `are provided with means such asset screws 156 to adjustably fix' the position of the enclosed drive lug betweenthe dog arms. As seen in Figure 7, each drive lug 148 and its associated printing roll may be adjusted axially with respect :to its drivf ing dog and xed in such position by means o'f lock nuts 158 threadably engaged to the lug, acting through wash! ers 160 bearing on the dog.

v Each printing roll shaft "136 issupported by suitable frame mounted end bearings 162,' and carries adjacent one end thereof a gear 161i (Figures 4 and 7).` Each printing roll shaft gear 164 is maintained in meshing engagement with a similar drive gear 166 mounted there below on a stub shaft 168` journaled inthe machine frame. and extendingv outwardly to' one side of the frame whereat it carries a' drive sprocket 170.' An endless chain 172 (Figures 1 and 2) engages a sprocket 174 on the main drive shaft 36 of the machine to the drive sprockets 170 in lsuch manner as to effect rotation of the latter in propel` direction. The chain arrangement is necessarily such as to cause all printing rolls to travel upwardly on their sides adjacent the vprinting plane. By utilizing the common drive shaft 36, the printing rolls are driven in coordination with the printing and drying conveyors; Theend bearings 162 may conveniently be of split type; and the indirect drive of the printing roll shafts throughV drive gears 166 makes it possible to change printing rollsy expeditiously. This may be done by merely releasing the end bearings 162, whereupon a shaft 136, to'gether with its printing rolls, drive dog, and gear 164 may be'removed as" a unit, and replaced by a similar unit, the drive gear 166 remaining undisturbed. ReplacementA of the printing rolls' may be readily a'c'conp'lishe'dl iri this manner', without disconnection ofV the drive mechanism thereforl or disassembly ofi the machine, whereby replacement of printing rolls for pattern changes or other purposes is greatly facilitated.

, The doctor blades 130 are supported through universally acting centering joints 17 6 on transverse shafts 178 (Figure 6), and suitable means are provided (Figures 5 and 7) to axially reciprocate the shafts 178 and their doctor blades. This may be accomplished in simple manner by means of a small gear 180 mounted on an end o'f the printing conveyor shaft 32. A larger gear 182 is suitably mounted in engagement with gear 180, and carries on its outer face an outwardly facing shaped cam 184. A vertical rock shaft 186 journaled on the frame side carries an outwardly extending arm 188, which is connected by a spring 19t`to the frame in such manner as to continuously urge rotation of the rock shaft in clockwise direction as viewed from above. In alignment with the center of cam 1%4, the rock shaft carries a tixedly mounted cam follower 192, which is maintained in contact with the cam face by the action of spring 199. As will be evident, in operation of the machine rotation of gear 182 and its cam 184 effect rising and falling movement of the cam follower 192, resulting in a rocking o'r i rotatably reciprocating movement of the rock shaft 186.

.Gn corresponding ends, the doctor shafts 17S carry collars 194, from each of which extends an arm 196 upon which a weight 198 is adjustably mounted. The Weights 19S tend to rotate the shafts 17S in such direction as to maintain the doctor blades 138 at all times in rm contact with the associated printing rolls 124. Above each pair of collars 194, the rock shaft 186 carries a dog 261i, from which a pin 2112 extends downwardly into suitable engagement with each collar. As will be understood, the rocking movement of the rock shaft acts through its dogs 201i, pins 2112 and collar 194 to impart axial reciprocation to the doctor shafts 178.

As previously indicated, the vertical Hight 34 of the printing conveyor 26 after leaving the printing section 22 passes upwardly through an end of the drying cabinet 44. Since drying under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity is desirable for many types of dye or ink used in printing fabrics, the cabinet 44 may be substantially enclosed by heat insulating panels 210. Moisture may be supplied to the drying cabinet atmosphere by means of a water pan 212 (Figure l0), which may be provided with heating elements 214 or may rely on evaporation. Preferably, the bottom of the water pan slopes from end to end thereo'f, whereby the area of the evaporative water surface may be readily controlled, by controlling the depth of the water in the pan. As will be understood, suitable automatic means may be provided to maintain constant water level in the pan 212, and means external of the cabinet may be utilized to vary the automatically controlled water level.

At the end of the drying section 24 remote from the printing conveyor, a heater may be disposed within vertical casing 216 (Figures l and 14). Electrical heating coils are preferred for ease of control, and a fan 218, driven by motor 220, may be disposed above the heater casing 216 to draw air upwardly therethrough and impel it outwardly, as indicated by arrows 222 in Figure 14. The temperature in the drying cabinet may be readily controlled by varying the heat input to the heater, and automatic temperature responsive controls may be provided for such purpose.

The upper article carrying flight 56 of the drying conveyor 46 is supported and maintained level substantially throughout its length by means of channeled track members 224 (Figures 3, l() and 14), in the channels 226 of which the chains are partially received. As best shown i in Figure 9, the vertical ight 34 of the printing conveyor is disposed parallel to and adjacent the vertical iiight of the drying conveyor leading to the article carrying flight 56 thereof. The printing conveyor and drying conveyor are of course generally aligned, as shown in Figures 3 and 10. Adjacent the point at which the printing conveyor vertical ight 34 exits through the top of the drying cabinet 44, automatic and coordinated means are provided to transfer articles from the printing conveyor to the drying conveyor. In the preferred embodiment, such means includes a swing plate 230 (Figures 9, 1l and 13), disposed between each pair of printing conveyor chains, and mounted for swinging movement between the printing conveyor chains in direction normal to the plane thereof. Each swing plate 230 is mounted on an arm 232 extending from a transverse shaft 234 suitably journaled atop the drying cabinet. From one end of the shaft 234 a short arm 236 extends outwardly, and a spring 238 extends from the outer end of arm 236 to the frame therebelow, the spring tending, it will be understood, to rotate shaft 234 in` counter-clockwise direction as viewed inFigure 9. Adjacent arm 236, a cam follower 240 extends outwardly from shaft 234, the outer end of the cam follower being maintained by the action of spring 238 in contact with the periphery of a cam 242, mounted on the main drive shaft 36 of the machine. As best shown in Figure 9, the periphery of cam 242 is of spiral form, and includes the step 244. Immediately above the leading end of the drying conveyor article carrying ight 56 is disposed a transverse stop bar 246, and to the underside of stop bar 246 are fixed facing pairs of generally convex guides 248.

At the remote end of the drying conveyor, adjacent the heater casing 216 (Figure 14), diagonally disposed top guide plates 250 are mounted in alignment with each drying conveyor line, and immediately therebelow, at the bottom of the drying cabinet, are mounted similarly inclined discharge guides 252. The discharge guides 252 lead to discharge slots 254 in the bottom of the cabinet, and immediately below the discharge slots (Figures l and 14) are mounted complexly curved deflector plates 256 adapted to deect articles discharged vertically through slots 254, and direct said articles horizontally and in lateral outward direction, away from the machine. The discharged articles may be directed by plates 256 into suitably placed receptacles, or into further conveyor means leading away from the machine.

Operation of the machine will now be described in detail. When the machine is running, motor 62 drives the main drive shaft 36 through gear reducer 66, and the drive shaft 36, as previously indicated, drives the printing conveyor, drying conveyor, printing rolls and article transfer mechanism, whereby these elements are driven in synchronism and coordinated at all times.

Initially, individual socks 108 are manually 0r otherwise stretched over and positioned on inserts 104, the ankle band of each sock enclosing the necked down outer end portion 114 of the insert and extending substantially to the transverse conveyor strip 116 thereof. The sock carrying inserts are engaged to the printing conveyor by workers stationed at work platforms 311, one person being required at each side of the dual machine illustrated. Engagement of the inserts to the printing conveyor involves merely placement of the insert apertures 118 over corresponding pairs of conveyor pins 161B. The rounded outer ends 102 of the pins 10d facilitate this operation, and the apertures 118 are suitably spaced and sized, as previously noted, to fit and frictionally engage the conveyor pins. The engaged inserts are carried horizontally away from the work piatforms to the vertical ight 34 of the printing conveyor, and in this initial travel may be supported in horizontal position, by support plates (not shown) disposed between the conveyor chains. f

As the printing conveyor chains travel around shaft 32, its pins are rotated to horizontal disposition, and the inserts carried thereby are permitted to hang vertically therefrom, as illustrated in Figures 9 and ll. The vertically disposed inserts are then carried upwardly through the printing section and between the printing roll pairs. The printing conveyor chains being disposed alongside the printing rolls, only the inserts travel between the rolls, the rolls contacting the socks thereon. The insert conveyor strips 116V thus perform a unique function in engaging the laterally disposed conveyor and carrying fabric articles between opposed, ftxedly mounted printing rolls. Since the peripheral speed of each printing roll equals the speed of travel of the printing conveyor, with proper roll alignment and registry a multicolor design or pattern is applied to each sock carried through the printing section, simultaneously to opposite sides thereof. The patterns applied to opposite sides of the socks will normally be identical, but may be different if desired. To assure proper registry, it is sometimes desirable to guide the printing conveyor chains through the printing section. Suitable guides 25S for such purpose are illustrated in Figure 6.

Alignment of the various printing rolls is readily accomplished by means of the threaded drive lugs 148 extending therefrom, the lock nuts S thereon providing convenient meansl for axial adjustment of each roll. Minor adjustment for registry is conveniently accomplished by means of the set screws 156 in arms 154 of the driving dogs i530, and major adjustment for registry may be accomplished by loosening bolts 140 of a roll to disengage the conical surface 142 of attachment ring l13S from the mating conical surface 146 of the attachment plate 144i, thereby permitting rotation of the printing roll and its attachment ring relative to the supporting shaft 133 and the associated dog 150 and attachment plate 144. The printing. roll may then be centered and locked at desired adjusted relative position by tightening bolts 140, whereby the attachment ring is again iirmly engaged to the attachment plate.

Figure 16 illustrates a very lsimple pattern applied to a sock by printing in two colors, as by utilizing two superposed roll pairs. In this ligure, a pattern 260 of chevrons has been applied to the sock 108, each chevron including an upper inverted V figure 262 which may be applied in a color other than that of the sock, and a lower inverted V iigure 264, which maybe applied in a distinctive color, by a second roll pair. Three or more colors may be applied with equal facility, and the use of printing rolls permits the application of patterns of great intricacy and iniinite variety. As will be evident, the design may be applied to substantially the entire area of the sock, or

to any part or parts thereof. The design may extend, if desired, into the foot portion of the sock, and into the heel and toe portions also.

After the pattern or design has been applied Yto the socks in passage through the printing section, the inserts are carried by the printing conveyor upwardly into an end of the drying cabinet 44. Referring to Figure 9, the action of the transfer mechanism is coordinated with the printing conveyor movement in such manner that the cam follower 240 rides a high portion of cam 242 as each insert approaches the lower end of the swing plate 230, this relationship being illustrated in full lines in Figure 9. As the printing conveyor chains carry each insert upwardly from the full line position illustrated, the cam follower 240 approaches and then trips over the Ycam step 244, permitting spring 238 to displace the swing plate 230 between the printing conveyor chains in the direction of the drying conveyor. At the moment of tripping of the swing plate, the insert is just below the top of the drying cabinet, so that the swing plate engages body section 106 of the insert somewhat below the transverse conveyor strip 3.16 thereof. T he impact of the swing plate against the article carrying insert is eective to dislodge the conveyor strip l16 from the conveyor pins 100, and to project the insert in the direction of lthe drying conveyor. The end of the swing Vplate travel andthe corresponding position of the insert are illustrated in dotted lines in Figure 9. Since the contact of the Aswing plate is close to the center of gravity of the insert, the insert is projected in approximately vertical position. The impact iii) dislodgement of the inserts is particularly eiiicient and effective, permitting excellent control of the inserts through the transfer movement. It will be evident, of course, that a pushing or similar transfer movement may also be utilized.

The body section of the projected insert travels between the drying conveyor chains, thefconveyor shafts 48 and 50 being discontinuous (see Figure 13) to permit this, and the conveyor strip 116 of the insert moves into engagement with the transverse stop bar 246. The stop bar is effective to align the insert transversely of the drying conveyor, that is to correct for any turning movement caused by the impact of the swing plate, and the insert drops therefrom by gravity in proper alignment onto the drying conveyor chains. The transverse conveyor strip of each insert comes to rest on the upper edges of the drying conveyor chains,1and is immediately carried thereby between the side guides 248, which correct for any lateral displacement of the inserts and properly center them on the drying conveyor. The `disposition of stop bar 246 and the side guides 24S is best illustrated in Figures 3' and ll.

Desirably, the speed of the drying conveyor is considerably less than that of the printing conveyor. The distance between successive pins 190 on the printing conveyor may be, for example, twenty-two and a half inches, or other distance exceeding the length of the inserts, and the drying conveyor may be synchronized to advance one pitch length, for example, one fourth inch, while the printing conveyor advances the distance between pins. The link plates of the drying conveyor chains may be dumbbell shaped in the manner illustrated in Figure l2, whereby successive inserts will rest in successive low places in the chain, the chain configurationV serving to maintain such spacing as the inserts are carried along. For greater spacing between inserts in the drying section, the conveyors may be so coordinated that the drying conveyor advances two or other whole number of pitch lengths while the printing conveyor advances the distance between pins. l

By reason of the close insert spacing in the drying cabinet 44, a large number may be in the cabinet simultaneously, and a suitable time of stay for effective drying is achieved with a cabinet of minimum length. Some resinous printing dyes, for example,` require drying and/or curing at a temperature of about 550 F. for approximately fifteen minutes, and the temperature and relative humidity in the drying cabinet, and the speed of the `drying conveyor, may be controlled as necessary to assure effective drying. v

The conveyor strips 116 of the sock inserts are effective, it will be noted, not only for engagement to the printing conveyor for carriage through the printing section, but also for carrying the socks through the drying conveyor, and to attain proper alignment and centering of the inserts on the drying conveyor following the conveyorto-conveyor transfer operation.

As the successive inserts reach the trailing end of the drying conveyor (Figure 14), each insert travels over the discontinuous shaft 50 and is then dropped from the conveyor by gravity. The upper guide plates 250 and lower guide plates 252 cooperate to insure that transverse alignment of the inserts is maintained in the dropping movement, and the lower discharge guide plates 252 also direct the toe ends of the inserts to the discharge slots 254. The finished articles drop through slots 254 and are deflected by plates 256 to horizontal disposition and outwardly, that is to the sides of the machine.

After passage through the machine, the transverse conveyor strips 116 may be removed from the sock inserts 104, the insert perforation line 120 facilitating this operation. Figure 16 illustrates a iinished printed sock stretched over an insert body section 106, from which the strip 116 has been removed. As will be recognized, a novel feature of the article carrying insert is that the body section thereof needs not be removed, but may remain in the sock. As shown in Figure 17, the insert board and sock thereon may be folded about the insert score line 122, to etect a nished article suitable for packaging and display purposes. ln Figure 17, the insert and sock are partially folded, and it will be understood that the sock may be doubled into two parallel and generally coinciding sections. Cardboard inserts, it may be noted, are effective to absorb any ink or dye which strikes through the fabric thereon, and to prevent such color material from reaching the opposite fabric layer.

' The machine illustrated and described functions efficiently in a continuous and automatic manner, and decorates socks or similar articles at high speed. For example, the dual machine illustrated may readily print from 30 to 120 socks per minute, the speed of operation ,being easily adjustable by means of handwheel 68 on the gear reducer 66. The socks being printed may be of cotton, synthetic or other material, and of knitted, ribbed, stretch or any other variety. The socks being stretched during application of the printed design, major surface irregularities such as ribbing are minimized. The printing dye may be applied primarily to high points of the fabric. When the fabrics are permitted to relax, when removed from the inserts, the relaxation of the stretch densities and solidies the design, resulting in sharper detail. The machine is adapted to print tubular fabric articles other than socks, for example stockings and gloves, and single layer articles may be printed as well.

The machine is adapted for easy cleaning, and as previously noted printing roll changes for change of pattern is facilitated. The variety of patterns and color combinations which may be applied is without limit, and articles of unusual and pleasing appearance may be manufactured. The only manual operation required is the placement of the article carrying inserts on the printing conveyor, whereafter printing, drying and delivery are accomplished automatically, and without further handling.

The novel method of decorating socks will be evident from the foregoing description. Briey the process involves positioning of a sock on a fiat insert, which insert is provided with a transverse strip joined to the outer end thereof, and conveying the insert by means of the transverse strip through one or more opposed pairs of printing rolls to apply a color design simultaneously to both sides of the sock. The printed sock is dried while positioned on the insert, and preferably while suspended by means of the insert transverse strip. The transverse strip may subsequently be removed from the insert. The resultant article is a decorated sock having a unique color design printed on both sides thereof.

It will 'thus be seen that there has been provided by this invention a structure, method and article in which the various objects hereinbefore set forth, together with many vpractical advantages, are successfully achieved. As lvarious possible embodiments may be made of the various features of the above invention, all without departing from Ithe scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A printing machine comprising a vertically disposed printing section, a horizontally disposed drying section adjacent the upper end of said printing section, a printing section conveyor extending vertically through said printing section and through an end of said drying section, a drying section conveyor extending horizontally through said drying section, said printing section conveyor including laterally spaced endless chains having pins mounted at equal and aligned intervals thereon, said pins facing outwardly from the plane of said printing conveyor chains in the direction of said drying seca tion conveyor, article carrying members engaged on corresponding pairs of said pins, means for driving said printing section conveyor, a swing plate mounted adjacent the top of said drying section for swinging movement between said printing section conveyor chains in direction normal to the plane thereof, and means coordinated with the printing section conveyor drive for forcibly swinging said plate between said printing section conveyor chains in the direction of said drying section conveyor when each successive pair of article carrying pins reaches a level slightly above the level of said drying section conveyor, whereby article carrying members are dislodged from said pins by said plate and directed to a position above the leading end of said drying section conveyor.

2. A printing machine comprising a vertically disposed multi-color printing section including superposed printing roll pairs, all of said printing rolls being disposed in substantial tangency to a common vertical printing plane, a horizontally disposed drying section adjacent the upper end of said printing section, a printing section conveyor extending vertically through said printing section and through an end of said drying section, a drying section conveyor extending horizontally through said drying section, said printing section conveyor including endless chains extending along opposite sides of said printing rolls substantially in said Vprinting plane, said chains having article engaging pins mounted at equal and aligned intervals thereon, said pins facing outwardly from said printing plane in the direction of said drying section conveyor, article carrying members engaged on corresponding pairs of said pins, means for driving said printing section conveyor, a swing plate mounted adjacent the top of said driving section for swinging movement between said printing section conveyor chains in direction normal to said printing plane, and means coordinated with the printing section conveyor drive for forcibly swinging said plate between said printing section conveyor chains in the direction of said drying section conveyor when each successive pair of article carrying pins reaches a level slightly above the level of said drying section conveyor, whereby article carrying members are dislodged from said pins by said plate and directed to a position above the leading end of said drying section conveyor.

3. A printing machine as delined in claim 2, including a transverse stop bar disposed above the leading end of said drying section conveyor adapted to engage article carrying members dislodged from said printing section conveyor and align said members transversely of the drying section conveyor, and guides disposed laterally of the leading end of said drying section conveyor to center said members thereon.

4. A sock printing machine comprising a vertically disposed printing section, a horizontally disposed drying section adjacent the upper end of said printing section, a printing section conveyor extending vertically through said printing section and through an end of said drying section, a drying section conveyor extending horizontally through said drying section, said printing section conveyor including laterally spaced endless chains having pins mounted at equal and aligned intervals thereon, said pins facing outwardly from the plane of said printing section conveyor chains in the direction of said drying section conveyor, flat cardboard sock inserts engaged on corresponding pairs of said pins, each of said inserts being unitary and including an extended body section having a rounded toe fitting inner end portion, a laterally projecting heel fitting portion, and a score line extending transversely thereacross and through the heel tting portion thereof, and a transverse strip joined to the outer end of said body section and extending therebeyond in both directions, the extended end portions of said strip being provided with apertures closely fitting a corresponding pair of said printing section conveyors chain pins, the line of juncture between said body section and said strip being weakened to facilitate separation, means for driving said printing section conveyor, a swing plate mounted adjacent the top of said drying section for swinging movement between said printing section conveyor chains in direction normal to the plane thereof, and means coordinated with the printing section conveyor drive for forcibly swinging said plate between said printing section conveyor chains in the direction of said drying conveyor when each successive pair of article carrying pins reaches a level slightly above the level of said drying section conveyor, whereby sock inserts are dislodged from said pins by said plate and directed to a position above the leading end of said drying section conveyor.

5. In apparatus for printing designs on tubular textile articles mounted on inserts each having an article receiving portion over which the article is mounted in at condition and handling portions at one end of said article receiving portion extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides thereof, the combination comprising a vertically disposed printing section including ay pair of printing rolls disposed in substantial tangency to a vertical plane, a printing section conveyor extending vertically through said printing section, said conveyor including a pair of laterally spaced endless chains mounted with portions thereof defining a flight extending vertically on opposite sides of said rolls, each of said chains having a plurality of outwardly extending elements mounted thereen in spaced relation for engaging the outwardly extending handling portions of successive inserts to thereby move successive articles mounted thereon upwardly along said vertical plane between said printing rolls, a drying section extending horizontally from the upper end of said printing section, said drying section including a drying section conveyor extending through said drying section, said drying section conveyor including a pair of laterally spaced endless chains having portions defining a flight disposed substantially horizontally for engaging the handling portions of said inserts to thereby move the articles thereon through the drying section, said drying section providing an unobstructed passage between and below said horizontal chain portions permitting the articles to be moved therein by said drying section conveyor and means for transferring successive article carrying inserts from said printing section conveyor to said drying section conveyor so that the handling portions of successive inserts are moved out of engagement with the associated elements and into. engagement with the associated horizontal chain port-ions.

6. The combination as dened in claim 5 including second and third pairs of printing rolls disposed in substantial tangency to said vertical plane and arranged with said tirst mentioned pair of printing rolls to print multicolored designs on the insert mounted articles moved therebetween.

7. In apparatus for printing designs on tubular textile articles, the combination comprising a plurality of inserts each having an article receiving portion over which a tubular textile article is mounted in flat condition and handling portions at one end of said article receiving portion extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides thereof, a vertically disposed printing section including a pair of printing rolls disposed in substantial tangency 12 to a vertical plane, a printing section conveyor extending vertically through said printing section, said conveyor including a `pair of laterally spaced endless chains mounted with portions thereof deiining a iiight extending vertically on opposite sides of said rolls, each of said chains having a plurality of outwardly extending elements mounted thereon in spaced relation for engaging the outwardly extending handling portions of successive inserts to thereby move successive articles mounted thereon upwardly along said vertical plane between said printing rolls, a drying section extending horizontally from the upper end of said printing section, said drying section including a drying section conveyor extending through said drying section, said drying section conveyor including a pair of laterally spaced endless chains having portions detining a flight disposed substantially horizontally for engaging the handling portions of said inserts to thereby move the articles thereon through the drying section, said drying section providing an unobstructed passage between and below said horizontal chain portions permitting the articles to be moved therein by Vsaid drying section conveyor and means for transferring successive article carrying inserts from said printing section conveyor to said drying section conveyor so that the handling portions of successive inserts are moved out of engagement with the associated elements and into engagement with the associated horizontal chain portions.

8. The combination as defined in claim 7 including second and third pairs of printing rolls disposed in substantial tangency to said vertical plane and arranged with said tirst mentioned pair of printing rolls to print multicolored designs on the insert mounted articles moved therebetween.

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